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UMass Amherst Student Dies; No Foul Play Suspected

March 10, 1998

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AMHERST, Mass. - Jo-Anne Vanin, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Massachusetts, reports the death early this morning of a 19-year-old student, Andrew B. Sala, of Mendon, Mass., who lived in Cashin residence hall. A sophomore, he was planning to major in management.

Sala’s body was found on a first-floor ledge of Cashin about 8:30 a.m. University police were called by a resident assistant and, in turn, called the Amherst Fire Department for an ambulance. Ambulance personnel were unable to assist due to obvious signs of death. At that time, the medical examiner was called and pronounced him dead.

Vanin expressed shock and sadness at the death. "The death of a young person is a tragic occasion," Vanin said. "Our deepest sympathies are with Andrew’s family and friends." University police are working with state police to investigate. No foul play is suspected at this time. The University is awaiting word from the medical examiner as to the exact cause of death.

Vanin said residence hall staff are working with friends and acquaintances, and that chaplains and counselors are available for support for all members of the community. "The impact on the community of the death of a student can be devastating, not only for students, but for faculty and staff as well," Vanin said. "We all need to support each other as we try to make sense of this loss."